Hi everyone! Another week has flown by and so here's another chapter.
I noticed that there are quite many readers in Australia. So I'd like to take this chance to make an announcement/promotion:
There will be a national Quidditch tournament (QUAFL) from 9-11 Dec 2016 at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sports) in Canberra. 24 top teams from across the country will be taking part, featuring players who won the 2016 Quidditch World Cup. If you're going to be around, please come! It's a free event (yay). And if anyone here is planning to visit Australia, do drop by Canberra on those dates. There will be Kidditch too for children to try out this sport, so you can bring the whole family along!
Thank you for reading the short paragraph above.
Without further ado, here's the chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
What would constitute a perfect day? For Hermione, it used to be a day where she did not get any attack. A great day would be where she did not have to resort to substances to deal with the pain. A good day would be where each attack lasted less than half an hour. And an okay day would be where she could sleep for a few hours at night.
But since Fleur's arrival, Hermione felt her days were perfect, even when the attacks were impossibly excruciating. True, there were hiccups now and then, mostly due to her unwillingness to trust Fleur even a little, but overall, the past few months had been great for the brunette. So how amazing her birthday would be?
Hermione could not sleep; the excitement and anxiety encouraging a million thoughts flooding her mind. She was snuggled in her bed, enveloped in Fleur's warm arms, yet she was still awake even after hours of listening the blonde's steady breathing. Hermione did not dare to toss and turn, fearing to awaken the witch next to her.
Knowing Fleur, she would plan an extravagantly romantic day that would turn anyone to mush. There was no way she would allow Hermione to be holed up in the house all day long. Although truth be told, Hermione was perfectly happy to spend her birthday cuddling with Fleur, doing nothing.
What was Fleur planning? Would she be throwing a party? Fleur did promise Hermione would not be interacting with many people but that meant the blonde did plan on throwing some sort of party. Should Hermione mention that she'd rather it be a party for just the two of them? Would Fleur take offense at that? What would the brunette wear? Should they go shopping first? But she hated shopping.
It was dawn when Hermione finally fall asleep, exhausted by her own active mind. She did not rest for long though, for Fleur awoken her at exactly nine thirty in the morning, kissing her gently until she opened her eyes.
"Good morning, sleepy head, it's time to rise and shine," Fleur gently pinched the brunette's nose who extricated herself from Fleur's grips.
In retaliation, Hermione made to tickle Fleur but the blonde was too quick for the half-awake brunette. Hermione found herself being tickled to death instead.
"Alright, I give!" Hermione gasped between laughter. "I give! It's your victory!"
"I don't believe in mercy, birthday girl."
"Fleur! I admit defeat!"
Fleur laughed and released Hermione. The blonde gave Hermione a quick peck and murmured, "Happy birthday, drool-face. You're a big girl now."
"I did not drool!" Hermione protested indignantly.
"My pyjamas beg to differ," there was a twinkle in Fleur's eyes.
"That's your drool, not mine," denied the brunette. "You've been staring at me too much."
"That's what eyes are for, Hermione," Fleur said sagely. "To stare at perfection."
Hermione blushed. If she ended up permanently looking like a tomato Fleur was to be blamed. The blonde chuckled and ruffled the brunette's hair.
"Come on, sleepy head. We have things to do and places to go to."
Hermione looked at Fleur, taking note of what the blonde was wearing: black boots, black jeans, white blouse and leather jacket. Seemed casual enough. Which meant Fleur was not dragging her to some kind of tiring and extravagant event.
"I'm flattered that you're trying to undress me but we really have to go, darling," Fleur chuckled.
Hermione's face instantly turned into a fine shade of red.
"I wasn't thinking of that," the brunette sputtered out.
She jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom, accompanied by Fleur's laughter. Damn that blonde.
Hermione was apprehensive but excited at the same time. It took Fleur thrice yelling at her from outside the bathroom door to get the brunette to step out of the shower (the third time yelling, Fleur threatened to blast the door off and dress Hermione in pink tutus with her own hands – that did the trick and got the brunette to dress up in record time).
Hermione was grumbling for a full five minutes at Fleur before the grinning blonde held out her hand and simply said, "Shall we?"
The grin melted Hermione's heart. Her irritation at being threatened disappeared. Who could stay mad at Fleur? Well, many people most likely, but Hermione was not one of them.
Hermione took Fleur's outstretched hand, marvelled at the warmth it exuded, and held it tight. She felt the familiar tug of Apparation and within moments, they Apparated at a very familiar place.
As it was still rather early in the morning and school was on, Diagon Alley was rather quiet. Hermione was thankful for that but realized that should the paparazzi appeared, it would be difficult to lose them in this nearly non-existent crowd. Fleur somehow noticed her discomfort and put a reassuring arm around the brunette.
"I went to this restaurant by accident a couple of years ago and it became my favourite," Fleur said as she led them walk along the streets, toward the quieter, upscale part of town. "For an establishment located in the pish-poshy area, they're very friendly and relaxed."
Hermione laughed. Fleur gave her a questioning look.
"You said pish-poshy," the brunette chuckled. "It's cute."
"Are you telling me that some random words are cuter than me?" Fleur pretended to pout.
"Yes, because you're beautiful, not simply cute," replied Hermione, grinning.
"Nice try, but I don't blush easily."
Hermione punched Fleur's arm playfully, eliciting laughter from the blonde. They continued walking, navigating the streets that were slowly filled with people. Several passers-by looked at them in surprise but otherwise left them alone. Hermione felt self-conscious and wished she remembered to disguise herself. She had forgotten that the Daily Prophet ran a regular section for each war hero's birthdays. As if just to make a point, they passed a large banner of a waving Hermione with the words 'Happy Birthday To The Most Brilliant Witch Of Her Age'. Fleur protectively pulled her arm around Hermione tighter, giving deathly glares to anyone who tried to approach them.
After what seemed to be an excruciating eternity, they finally stopped in front of a maroon building with the signboard that said 'Four Corners'. There was already a queue and Hermione felt self-conscious with her simple attire. But Fleur did not give her time to dwell on her thoughts. The blonde smiled and nodded to the usher and they were allowed through, to the annoyance of those waiting in line.
"I did make a booking, so I don't know what they're grumbling about," shrugged Fleur when Hermione gave her a questioning look. The brunette was relieved to know that Fleur did not use her Veela thrall just to get them inside.
They climbed to the second floor and from across the room, Ginny and Harry waved at them. Hermione grinned. She did miss her friends.
"I hope you don't mind to have them both join us for breakfast," Fleur asked quietly, looking slightly nervous.
"No, Fleur, I appreciate it. Thank you," smiled the brunette, squeezing Fleur's hand in assurance.
An impatient Ginny slid out of her chair and hugged Hermione tightly, squeezing the poor brunette to death.
"You are so freaking old today! I can't believe it!"
"And she won't be getting older if you insist on squeezing the life out of her, dear."
Hermione gave Harry a grateful look for coming to her rescue.
"Always playing the hero," Ginny grumbled but released the death grip she had on the brunette.
Through it all, Fleur just stood back and watched them with an amused expression on her face.
"As much as I am enjoying this entertainment, shall we head to our table before we get kicked out of this place for being a nuisance?" the blonde asked in a light tone.
"That would be Harry's fault for bothering his beautiful wife," the redhead commented, dragging Hermione to the table.
The man in question raised his hands in surrender.
"I will make it up to you tonight, dearest."
Hermione groaned and covered her ears with her palms.
"Guys, please! Don't give me nightmares!"
"Oh? I thought you enjoyed watching us having at it the other night?" Ginny asked with an innocent face.
Hermione, who was in the process of sitting on the chair that Fleur pulled for her, turned red.
"It was an accident!"
"Fleur, just so you know, my dear bookworm friend here is actually a pervert," Ginny told Fleur in a loud whisper.
Hermione glared at the redhead.
"Well," Fleur replied in an equally loud whisper, "why do you think I like her?"
Hermione gave Fleur a disbelieving look. Ginny laughed gleefully.
"Oh my! Is she that good in bed, Fleur? You must tell me!"
"Well I don't want to have nightmares," muttered Harry, reading the menu.
"Now, now, that would be telling," Fleur winked at Ginny.
Hermione buried her head in her hands and groaned.
"Kill me now," she muttered.
Hermione was secretly pleased that Fleur invited both Harry and Ginny for breakfast. It had been a very long time since the brunette hung out with her two best friends outside of Grimmauld Place. She felt carefree and could forget her current problems, even if only for a little while.
Their little breakfast went smoothly, filled with laughter and teasing (Hermione had forgotten how much the redhead loved to tease Hermione. The brunette swore she would not be in the same room with both Ginny and Fleur in future – when both of them team up, they were horrible).
"Well ladies, as much as I hate it, I have to leave for work," Harry said reluctantly, checking his pocket watch. "Meetings and more meetings."
"Thank you for skipping the morning for me, Harry." Hermione rose from her seat and gave him a hug.
"I won't trade it for the world."
"Come on, give me a hug too, I have to return for practice," Ginny opened her arms wide, waiting for Hermione. "The only reason the coach and Pansy allowed me to skip the morning is because of your birthday."
"I'm still quite famous, it seems," chuckled Hermione, giving the redhead a hug.
"I'm glad you didn't run away, 'Mione," the redhead whispered softly in Hermione's ear. "She makes you happy, doesn't she? Don't ever let her go or else I'll skin you alive."
Ginny released the hug and said in a normal volume, "Well, see you both tonight! Enjoy yourselves!"
Hermione gave Fleur a questioning look.
"They've invited us for dinner tonight, I hope you don't mind?"
The brunette shook her head. She linked her hand with Fleur's.
The blonde led her out of the establishment without paying. When Hermione realised this, she stopped and tugged at Fleur to return to the restaurant.
"I asked them to put it on my tab," Fleur grinned. "I don't want you to figure the prices out."
"You don't have to do that, Fleur! I can pay for it," the brunette protested.
"Hermione, you gave me permission to make plans for your birthday. Please, don't worry about it, alright?"
Hermione looked at Fleur who was giving her puppy eyes. The brunette sighed. Fleur would be the death of her some day. Fleur gave her a quick peck on the forehead as thanks. Hermione's face reddened, aware that some people noticed it and started to whisper among themselves.
"So uh, where are we going next?" Hermione tried to keep her voice calm, not wanting Fleur to notice her discomfort.
"Ready to Apparate away?"
Hermione took a deep breath and nodded. She hated Apparating right after a meal – the contents of her stomach would be threatening to spill out all the time. It was a common issue for those Apparating.
Fleur held her hand tightly and within moments, they disappeared from Diagon Alley and Apparated amongst tall trees in an empty and quiet area. Hermione looked around and did not recognize their location.
"Where are we, Fleur?"
"Some random park nearby our destination," muttered the blonde, trying to tidy her hair. "Is my hair okay?"
"You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen, Fleur," Hermione said quietly.
She then blushed and kicked herself mentally. Fleur noticed it and chuckled. The blonde put herself between Hermione and a rather large tree, using her hands to trap the brunette. Hermione felt her heart started to hammer; the look Fleur gave her was so intense, almost predatory. Hermione hitched her breath when Fleur's nose touched hers.
"The only reason why you say I'm the most beautiful person you've ever seen is because you've never paid attention when you look into the mirror, Hermione."
Hermione watched Fleur's lips moving as the blonde spoke. The brunette was entranced by the graceful, seductive movement. She wrapped her arms around Fleur's neck and gazed into the blonde's intense eyes.
"Do you know what happens when two beautiful people meet?" Hermione asked.
Without waiting for an answer, Hermione kissed Fleur, hungrily claiming those luscious lips. She pulled the blonde toward her, leaving no space in between. The flip her stomach did made her realise that all these time, she was actually having butterflies for Fleur. Why did she not notice it sooner, during their previous kisses?
When Hermione released Fleur, the blonde looked dazed, somewhat breathless.
"You haven't given me a birthday kiss yet," grinned the brunette mischievously.
Fleur chuckled. "Pardon my tardiness, milady."
"All forgiven, Fleur, all forgiven. So, where are we again?"
"Ah, yes. I've nearly forgotten. Well, let me show you."
Fleur led her through the trees and after a couple of minutes of walking Hermione could hear sounds of a crowd and what suspiciously was the traffic. She frowned. Last time she checked, wizards in general were still not using muggle vehicles.
"I hope you like theme park," Fleur said anxiously, watching Hermione for the brunette's expression.
Hermione's jaw dropped. There, in front of her, was the entrance to a theme park, with schoolchildren in uniform lining up for entry.
"I tried to pick one with as few people as possible but it seems a school decided to come for an outing to this place. But I can assure you that they're all muggles."
Hermione turned around and looked at Fleur.
"How did you find this place, Fleur? More importantly, how do you know even know what a theme park is?"
"I overheard some Hufflepuffs discussing about it during the Triwizard," shrugged Fleur. "So I researched it and dragged my sister to one in France and it was quite fun. Do you like it?"
Hermione hugged Fleur.
"Thank you, Fleur. It's wonderful." She had not been in one for so many years.
"I'm glad to know that. Shall we?"
Hermione was very impressed when Fleur paid for their entrance with muggle money. The blonde did not even struggle with the currency! Noticing this, Fleur whispered to Hermione, "The secret is to give the biggest denomination. It works every time." The brunette rolled her eyes at that. Of course.
Hermione had the time of her life at the theme park. Anonymity made it better – nobody gave them a second look. Well, men were still giving Fleur second and third looks but that was because of Fleur's thrall, not because of they recognize either of them.
They rode most of the available rides (Fleur refused to go on the roller coaster and any ride that she deemed too dangerous – she claimed that as open-minded as she was to all things non-magical, she still would not entrust her life on a lifeless object. Hermione's argument of them having wands went on deaf ears.) As Fleur bought them the VIP tickets, they did not need to queue behind the numerous and boisterous school children. Hermione ate the cotton candy, feeling slightly guilty to be eating sugar and silently apologizing to her dentist parents for doing such a sinful thing.
Fleur was thoroughly amused when seeing the pictures they took in the picture booth were not moving at all, and that there were weird frames as well as images. Hermione tried to explain to the blonde that they were digital 'enhancements', to make the pictures more interesting. Unsurprisingly, Fleur's favourite picture was of Hermione's face being weirdly compressed.
"This is the picture of you that I shall carry everywhere I go," declared the blonde.
"What if you ever get short-term memory loss? How would I be able to convince you that the person in that photo and me are the same?" asked Hermione exasperatedly.
"Even when my mind is gone, my heart will know who you are to me, my dear." Fleur swooped down and stole a kiss from Hermione.
"You're impossible," grumbled the brunette, but could not keep the grin off her face.
Before she knew it, evening was approaching and the theme park was closing. Time flied too quickly to Hermione's liking and she wished she still had the Time-Turner – she did not want this day to ever end. They walked toward the park again, hand in hand, and went to a deserted area to Apparate away to Grimmauld Place.
Fleur knocked and they heard Ginny yelled "It's not locked" from the inside. As they went in, the aroma of food attacked Hermione's sense of smell. The brunette felt her mouth watered and her stomach loudly declared its hunger.
"I thought only the Weasleys are capable of making such sounds," Fleur chuckled.
"Hermione's practically family, Fleur," Ginny appeared from the kitchen, bringing a tray of wine and glasses for them. "As an honorary Weasley, her stomach has to keep up with tradition. It won't be long, 'Mione. Here, fill your delicate tummy with some elvish wine."
Hermione accepted the proffered glass with a skeptical look.
"You do realise that drinking on an empty stomach will get you drunk quickly?"
"That's the plan, woman. Why else would I offer you wine while you're starving?"
"Between you and her, I don't know who is worse," Hermione told Fleur as Ginny returned to the kitchen.
"It must be Ginny, 'cause you're dating me," Fleur said as-a-matter-of-factly.
Hermione tickled Fleur. "You're too arrogant for your own good, missy."
Fleur, competitive by nature, retaliated. They tumbled over each other on the carpet, shrieking with laughter. Hermione managed to pin Fleur on the floor, but the blonde kissed Hermione with such passion that the brunette slackened her grip.
"Huh, you guys are dating."
Hermione and Fleur broke their kiss and turned their necks to see a surprised Harry staring at them.
"Don't tell me you actually did not realise it this morning, husband dear?" Ginny asked in an exasperated tone, carrying a dish with steam coming out of it.
"Well, I thought you guys were just fooling around. I mean, girls are always fooling around."
Both Ginny and Hermione rolled their eyes. Harry was still as oblivious as ever. Some things just never changed.
Fleur helped Hermione to get on her feet and pulled the brunette close, wrapping her arms around the brunette's waist from the back. The blonde rested her chin on Hermione's head.
"Yes, Harry, we're dating," Fleur declared softly. "I trust that this is not a problem?"
"Oh no, no, I have no problem with it," Harry shook his head. "I was just wasn't expecting Hermione to be in a relationship with anyone, considering her hectic schedule and secrecy due to her job."
"Does the fact that they've been living together for several months said nothing to you, dear?" Ginny asked, her face a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
"Well, I thought they were just roommates," shrugged Harry. "I'm sorry I didn't notice it sooner, Hermione. But congratulations, I'm happy that you're back in the game. Although Fleur, I have to warn you, if you hurt her…"
"I myself will kick her lovely behind to oblivion, Harry." Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry would never stop being overprotective.
"Don't kick her lovely behind too far, 'Mione, I swear that ass is a rare find," Ginny quipped as she set the final dish on the table.
Fleur laughed.
"Well anyway, food's ready," Ginny announced. "Shall we?"
Ginny really did go all-out with her cooking, pulling no punches. She made roasted chicken, Mongolian lamb, thai green fish curry, roasted pumpkin, stir fried broccoli, spaghetti bolognaise, beef steak, and spicy fried rice.
"Don't forget to save some space for dessert," Ginny informed them.
"Uh… What's the theme, Gin?" Hermione tried to make sense of the food in front of her eyes.
"The theme is your birthday, 'Mione," Ginny started to heaped food on Hermione's plate. The brunette watched as the odd assortment of dishes coming together in harmony in front of her eyes. "I couldn't decide on the theme, so I just cooked whatever struck my fancy."
"This is not too bad, 'Mione," Harry said as he mixed the curry with the spaghetti on his plate, putting a spoonful in his mouth. "Once you ignore the fact that they're not quite…compatible and just focus on the taste, they're very delicious."
"Harry's right." Fleur seemed to be enjoying her pile of oddity, chewing with passion. "Taste-wise, they're delicious. By the way, you have to give me the recipe for this chicken, Ginny. I keep on forgetting to ask."
"Eat up, 'Mione darling," Ginny said encouragingly. "They'll all be mixed in your stomach anyway."
Hermione had no idea what she had done in her previous life to deserve such strange companions. She braved herself and ate a small piece of steak with the pasta and curry in one mouthful. As weird as it was, she found the mixture to be a delight. Hermione then realised something.
"Your cooking has improved a lot, Gin!"
"It's been nearly two years since you tasted my cooking, 'Mione," Ginny said quietly.
The silence that followed was uncomfortable. Hermione felt guilty for disappearing. True, she did come back and hung out with them in Grimmauld Place occasionally but they usually ordered takeaways or Hermione would bring some food over.
"So, how long have you guys been together?" Harry asked, changing topics. Hermione silently thanked him.
"Officially, we've been together since yesterday," Fleur answered.
Ginny raised an eyebrow at Hermione, who suddenly found that the glass of water in her hands was fascinating.
"Unofficially?" Harry asked.
"Since the day we slept together," grinned the blonde with a twinkle in her eye.
Hermione choked on her drink.
"Merlin, 'Mione! You caught the right fish!" Ginny howled with laughter.
"Fleur!" Hermione protested amongst her coughs. "Now you're making them misunderstand your sentence!"
"We're all adults, 'Mione, there's nothing wrong to talk about adult things," teased Harry.
"Not you too, Harry!" groaned the brunette.
"Sleeping, especially with another person, is a healthy activity, don't you agree 'Mione?" Ginny asked with a mischievous face.
"We didn't have sex, guys," huffed the brunette.
"We never said that," Ginny laughed. "I thought we were discussing about you know, sleeping?"
Hermione groaned and continued eating her food, ignoring the incoming teasing. One day, she swore she would find the perfect way to tease them. One day.
Hermione had never eaten so much in her whole life, not even when she was staying over at the Burrows. Mrs. Weasley and her legendary feeding abilities lost to Ginny's. Somehow the redhead managed to get Hermione to keep on adding more to her plate. By the time the night was over, the brunette would be gaining five kilos.
Just as Hermione was silently celebrating clearing out her fifth serving, the fireplace burst into life. Green fire flared, signaling the arrival of someone. All of them looked at the fireplace.
"Are we expecting anyone?" Ginny asked Harry.
He shrugged. "Aside from Fleur and Hermione, no."
Moments later a figure stepped out of the Floo, yelling out, "Hey Harry can I borrow your dragon hide jacket? I have a date with Luna tomorrow and I misplaced mine somewhere. I think it's in the – " Ronald Weasley stopped his sentence when he realised Fleur and Hermione were there.
Ron stared at them and his face reddened. Hermione recognized that classic expression of rage of his.
"I can't believe this!" Ron pointed his finger in their general direction. "You… you! What are you doing here? You left without a word, without a trace. Now you dare to show your face around here, going to my sister's wedding as if nothing's happened, and eat at her house as if everything's alright?"
Fleur was the first to react. She drew her wand and pointed it at Ron threateningly. "Mr. Weasley, I suggest you stop pointing your finger at Hermione and talk in a calm manner or else I'll hex you into next week."
Ron stared at Fleur disbelievingly but lowered his finger. An angry Fleur was a feral Fleur. Besides, before Ron could draw his wand, Fleur would be shooting several hexes.
"I am under no obligation to announce my appearance to you, Ronald," Hermione said angrily.
"I prefer it if you don't shout at my guests, Ron," Ginny hissed.
Harry approached Ron and put himself between the angry man and the three equally angry ladies.
"I can't believe that you'd do this to me, Hermione!"
"We broke up, Ron. You can't control my movements!"
"I thought we were friends!" Ron yelled, half-crying. "Did you know how worried I was when you left without a trace? Even Harry and his Auror training could not figure out where you were. We were all so worried. Yes, I was devastated and angry that you broke up with me but that's the past. I've moved on. But I thought I was still your best friend. I was wrong. I mean nothing to you anymore, Hermione. I mean nothing to you anymore, Harry. Apparently I'm no longer part of the trio."
Ron turned and disappeared back into the Floo, to the Burrow.
Hermione buried her head in her hands. Ron's words shook her. She did not realise the impact her silent appearance would cause on him. She was so focused on herself that she forgot the friends around her hurt when she was hurt. Ron was one of her oldest friends. Ron used to be more than just her best friend too. They went through so much yet she ignored him, putting him in a place like everybody else.
But none of the deserved to be told, part of her reasoned. They thought you were insane, remember? He has no right.
The brunette felt Fleur's comforting arms around her.
"Did I hurt you too, Harry? Ginny?" Hermione asked softly.
"I'm sure you have your reasons, 'Mione," Harry said quietly, kneeling next to the brunette. "Besides, I understand the importance of secrecy to your work."
"Just ignore what my idiotic brother said, 'Mione. I'll set him straight later," Ginny sounded thoroughly pissed.
Hermione bit her lower lip, keeping tight the truth that was threatening to spill from her mouth. She kept on reminding herself that Harry and Ginny would be so hurt if they knew she had been lying to them, that she had been hiding from them.
The laughter came again.
No, not now please, Hermione silently pleaded. The day had been passing wonderfully. Why now? Why could it not wait till at least after her birthday was over?
A little girl's voice spoke, reading passages from the Book of Enoch. Accompanying that were voices of two old men mourning the death of their wives, and a group of teenagers angrily debating on which seat they should take.
Fleur seemed to sense the attack and swiftly excused themselves from Grimmauld Place. Hermione allowed herself to be taken home, distractedly saying her goodbyes to Harry and Ginny. Hermione's head was starting to hurt and she sweated. She felt as if her head was being slowly cooked over low fire.
As soon as they reached home, Fleur carried her to the jetty and hopped on to the raft.
The pain only subsided when Fleur hummed next to Hermione, arms around the brunette, lying on a mattress on the raft under the clear night skies. The heat and most of the pain were gone. Only a steady but soft pounding remained in her head.
Hermione let Fleur's humming ushered her to the dream land.